Virgin America To Be First With $1.4 Billion Order On A320neo Airplanes

Virgin America launched CFM International's advanced LEAP engine with an order on Wednesday to power 30 new Airbus A320neo aircraft. The airline also announced that CFM's CFM56-5B will power 30 current technology A320s. The 60 airplanes were announced in January of this year and the engine orders have a combined value of approximately $1.4 billion U.S. at list price.

Both the LEAP and CFM56-5B engines are products of CFM International (CFM), a 50/50 joint company between Snecma (Safran group) and GE. The new airplanes will begin delivery in 2016.
 
LEAP engines incorporate revolutionary technologies never before seen in the single-aisle aircraft segment. The new engine combines advanced aerodynamic design techniques, lighter, more durable materials, and leading-edge environmental technologies, making it a major breakthrough in engine technology. The 15 percent better engine fuel efficiency*, at current fuel prices, translates to as much as $1.6 million in fuel cost savings alone for customers per airplane, per year. LEAP technology will also achieve double-digit improvements in CO2 emissions and noise levels, all while providing the industry's best reliability and lowest maintenance costs.

"As a young and growing airline, we credit much of our success to having the right equipment, and choosing LEAP to power our A320neos is right in line with our long-term strategy," said Virgin America President and CEO David Cush. "With LEAP, Virgin America is getting the best of all possible worlds: the industry's most advanced technology-with all of the benefits that represents -as well as the consistency and inherent reliability of a CFM product. We also know that the company's reputation for meeting its commitments is unrivaled and this latest move will help us continue to fuel growth and success in the North American market."

"We are thrilled that Virgin America is launching LEAP and look forwarding to expanding an already great relationship," said Jean-Paul Ebanga, president and CEO of CFM. "But this is just the beginning; this engine has a great future."

CFM says The lower fuel burn also reduces CO2 emission by 15 percent, while LEAP's industry-leading combustor technology will reduce emissions of oxides of nitrogen (NOx), a greenhouse gas, by 50 percent compared to current requirements.

FMI: www.cfm56.com